Tag: formom

When I heard I would be receiving Freemie Collection Cups to review, I was beyond excited. Freemie Collection Cups were created to be a hands free and discreet breast pump milk collection system. Let’s be real, it sounds appealing, doesn’t it?

Why was I so excited to try these you ask? As a full-time school counselor and new mom, I was excited to try anything that would make pumping a little less dreadful. I mean, to have my hands free and not have giant horns popping out of my shirt? I’m all in.

When first opening the package, they included simple and easy to follow directions on what needed to be connected to each part (a few of the parts needed to be boiled first). These collection cups look nothing like the “horns” we’re used to. However, there are 3 major parts just like with the “horns.” You have the collection cups, valves, and then the shields/funnels. The collection cups each hold 8 ounces which is fabulous since I can usually pump over 5 ounces that the typical bottles hold. The valves are an awkward shape, however, they just click into the shields just like the “horns”. The shields (they call them funnels) are either 25 or 28 mm and both sizes are included. As a side note, I have a Medela Pump in Style pump which does not need any additional adapters, but some pumps do. The Freemie website shows which pumps need additional adapters. To use the Freemie with my pump, I just had to switch out the tubing and replace it with their tubes (included).

Usage: Freemie claims they fit into your bra and that you can pump with your shirt on. The collection cups stick out about two to three inches so I don’t know about you, but I can’t fit two-three inches into my bra. However, with a nursing bra I was able to unhook it as if I was going to nurse and slide them in. I usually wear a cami of some type under all my shirts, which also supports the collection cups. Once you get the hang of sliding them in, your hands really are free! The first time I used them, I was sitting there with a straight back (not even leaning over), my shirt on and free hands. It was like the Pumping Gods threw me a bone! As I was sitting there, I was thinking of all the possibilities since my hands were free. I picked up my phone, hopped on Facebook and relaxed for 15 minutes. If I’m super busy at work, it’s a great time for me to send out some emails uninterrupted while still pumping. After pumping a few minutes, I noticed that the collection cups started fogging up which was kind of a bummer because I usually keep an eye out for when the milk stops then I’m done compared to a certain “time” amount. (This is pretty expected, because it’s difficult to keep a product like this from fogging with the extreme temperature differences. However, Freemie is working on this!) After several uses I now know you can lean over a little bit and check the bottom where it has lines to show the ounces. I know about how much I pump during the day and use that method for now.

Once I was done pumping, I was able to just slide them out of my bra, take the tubing out (make sure you turn your pump off first or you’ll end up with milk in your tubes), take apart the collection cup system, and then pour the milk into a storage bag or container. Personally, I am able to pump in my office and then I put all the parts and my milk into a lunchbox and put it all in the fridge. I do wash out the Freemie collection cup system prior to putting into the lunch box. The collection cups are super easy to clean, too. I soak mine in hot soapy water every day after work, do a quick scrub then I lay them out to dry.

Overall, I love the Freemie Breast Pump Collection System! However, there a few cons. Like I said above, the cups get foggy and you are unable to see if the milk is still flowing. I find this to be the biggest downfall. In addition, the first few times you’ll likely get milk in the tubes (once you get used to it, it doesn’t happen often). It’s also not quite as discrete as they lead consumers to believe, but you are still able to pump with your shirt on, it just makes you look like you have giant boobs (and I mean giant). Even with these cons, I personally still think the pros outweigh the cons. They stay in place, are easy to put together/take apart and are truly hands free. I highly recommend Freemie to any mom!

– Cierra, Guest Blogger

Did you like our @freemieusa review? If so, order your own and get 10% off using code “burritobuzz10” courtesy of our pals at Freemie!

**BurritoBuzz received these products at low or no cost for the purpose of review or testing. No compensation for a positive review was provided. All product reviews are based 100% off of our personal experiences and we never guarantee a positive review.**

Five of the Burrito Buzz Moms received an awesome offer for us each to review a bracelet from Sashka Co. I connected with the company via Twitter because I was intrigued by their adorable bracelets that appeared to be perfect for moms. I personally am not a big jewelry wearer. I have a few nice piece that my husband bought for me, so I always wear the same thing. I never wear anything too flashy or bulky, and I definitely stay away from jewelry that my kiddos could get a hold of and ruin. This bracelet has met all of my expectations!

Sashka Co. is a unique company because their bracelets are handmade, bead by bead, in Nepal. Artisan women work from home for fair wages in hopes to beat poverty through fair trade. The company is focused on empowering women and promoting gender equality.

Bracelets are hand crocheted using glass beads and cotton thread. Because of this, the bracelet will simply roll over your hand and form to your wrist for the perfect fit and fit over any size hand.

Sashka Co. offers a lifetime guarantee. With that said, if your bracelet breaks, they replace it! The company also promises an exchange or return if you are not happy with the fit of your bracelet.

They offer a ton of colors and color combinations to go with any outfit.

The bracelet was durable just as I had hoped. My 1 year old pulled on it when it was around my wrist, and not only did it not break, it didn’t seem to get stretched out.

Bracelets range from $13-28 from Sashka Co.’s website. I think this is more than reasonable, especially because they also offer free shipping on orders over $25! They also have bracelet sets available.

A a mom of two little toddlers, I think it’s important to feel like I’m put together some days, because most often, I am so far from put together. If a little jewelry will do that, then so be it! This bracelet is dressy enough to add a little flare to any outfit for any occasion, but practical enough to be worn around my little ones. I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and I’m sure my fellow Burrito Buzz Moms will agree! They too love their Sashka Co. bracelets!

Check out Sashka Co. on their website to learn more about their business and to buy some of their beautiful bracelets!

**BurritoBuzz received this product at low or no cost for the purpose of review or testing. No compensation for a positive review was provided. All product reviews are based 100% off of our personal experiences with a product and we never guarantee a positive review.**

Last month in BK#1’s Bluum box there was a small glass jar of organic “balm”.

I have tried a million and one creams and lotions for my babies, and I finally found a combo of coconut oil and A&D that works for them. Most of the time. If you have sensitive skin, and/or your children do, you know what I am talking about! It really is a nightmare finding something that works for everything that doesn’t break the bank and that also isn’t filled with chemicals and steroids.

I am constantly battling my eczema, and haven’t really found anything that works as well as the steroid cream that you get from the doc.

I also find myself constantly trying new things on my babies, because I feel like their skin is always dry and flakey, and/ or they always have some sort of rash. Their pediatrician said that they just have sensitive skin, and baby acne. Sorry kids.

Nothing besides coconut oil has really soothed AND eliminated irritation/dry skin/ rash/ acne/ etc. But,coconut oil makes me crazy sometimes, because of the mess it causes! It makes diapers fall apart, its oily for hours, makes their hair greasy, and I have to constantly re- apply for it to work.

” Our Shea butter organic baby balm is formulated to be the best product to naturally protect and soothe baby’s delicate skin. Our blend of certified organic ingredients combines raw Shea butter, olive & Jojoba oil and a mix of herbs and pure essential oils to create an everyday skin care balm that protects and serves as a natural barrier against excess moisture. Our organic baby balm formula can be used for soothing dry skin and does not damage or stain cloth diapers allowing your cloth diapers to be fully absorbent. It also works great for Moms too!” – Reese and Luke {reeseandluke.com}

All pure ingredients, no parebens, no dyes, no animal testing, etc. ! It seriously can NOT get better!

Now, its marketed for the baby bum, and their dry skin, but I have been using it for EVERYTHING!

I have used it on……

Diaper rash

Baby’s rug burned knees

Scrapes and scratches (I’m not kidding, the next day it was gone)

Dry skin

Chapped lips/ cheeks

Cracked nose

Unmanagable curly hair (DH is Greek and our kids have WILD hair 100% of the time)

Did you see that little blip about “works great for moms too”? – My eczema is pretty much gone, no cracked hands from washing them a million times a day, tames my fly aways, and is a fabulous lip balm!

“Our formulas work for all skin types and on everything “from bum to thumb” and for those in hot areas (we’re all super jealous!), our balms work perfectly as an after sun “- Reese and Luke on Facebook.

The smell is divine!

It lasts forever! We have had our 3.5fl oz jar for about a month now, I have barely made a dent, and I use it daily for everything! That being said, it is priced fabulously! A 3.5 fl oz. jar will cost you around $20. I am hoping that my local boutique starts stocking it, so I don’t have to order from Amazon or other boutiques. Check your area out first though, your local cloth diaper shop might have it!

The ONLY negative thing I have to say is that its slightly oily. SLIGHTLY! It doesn’t bother me one bit, but it does leave you a little sticky and shiny until it soaks in.

I am so excited to try more of their products!

Reese and Luke is a MUST for your baby registry, and your home even if you don’t have babies!